15 Authentic Mexican Tamale Masa Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 8, 2024
For many, authentic Mexican tamales are a beloved traditional dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and holidays. These savory and delicious treats are made with a special dough called masa, which is the key ingredient in giving tamales their distinctive flavor and texture. While there are many variations of tamales, the authentic Mexican tamale masa recipe is a tried and true method that has been passed down for generations. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of making the perfect masa for your tamales, so you can enjoy this classic dish at home.
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
If you want to experience a true taste of Mexico, then you must try these authentic beef tamales. Tender beef is slow-cooked with traditional spices and then wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. Serve with a side of homemade salsa for a truly authentic experience.
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Mexican Sweet Corn Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Masa, Water, Frozen Corn, Cornmeal
Sweet and savory collide in this delicious Mexican Sweet Corn Cake. Made with cornmeal, creamed corn, and a touch of sugar, this cake is the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican meal. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor.
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Vegetarian Tamale Pie (Gluten-free) || Meatless Monday
Main Ingredients: Avocado, Medium Onion, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper
For a delicious and hearty vegetarian option, try this tamale pie. Made with a flavorful mix of veggies, beans, and spices, and topped with a cornbread crust, this dish is sure to please even the most devout meat lovers. And with its gluten-free crust, it's perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
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Mexican Chipotle Pizza
Main Ingredients: Masa, Warm Water, Kosher Salt, Corn Kernels, Black
Who says pizza has to be boring? This Mexican Chipotle Pizza takes traditional pizza toppings and gives them a spicy twist with the addition of chipotle peppers. And the best part? It's ready in under 30 minutes!
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Mole & Guacamole Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Dried Ancho Chiles, Pasilla Chiles, Butter, Onion
For a flavorful and filling meal, try these mole and guacamole enchiladas. The rich and complex flavors of the mole sauce are perfectly balanced with the creamy and refreshing guacamole. And the addition of shredded chicken makes these enchiladas a complete meal.
Atole is a traditional Mexican drink made with corn flour, milk, and cinnamon. It's a warm and comforting drink that is perfect for chilly nights. And with the addition of chocolate, it's a delicious dessert option as well.
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Make Your Own Red Chile and Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: New Mexico Red Chile, Water, Flour, Garlic, Salt, Pork
For a hands-on cooking experience, try making your own red chile and pork tamales. It may seem daunting, but the end result is well worth the effort. And with the added bonus of learning a new skill, it's a win-win situation.
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Easy Mexican Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Garlic Cloves, Salt, Water, Meat, Enchilada
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the deliciousness of tamales, then this easy Mexican pork tamale recipe is for you. Using pre-made masa dough and canned enchilada sauce, these tamales come together in a snap. Top them with some shredded cheese for an extra indulgent treat.
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Mexican Pork Stew (Puerco en Salsa Roja)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Pork, Herdez Salsa Casera, Masa, Warm
This hearty Mexican pork stew is perfect for those cooler days when you're craving something warm and comforting. Made with tender pork, flavorful vegetables, and a rich and spicy red sauce, it's a meal that will warm you from the inside out.
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Amazing Beef Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Sliced Olives, Beef Chuck Roast, Garlic
These amazing beef tamales are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The beef is slow-cooked with traditional adobo sauce and then wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. Serve with a side of guacamole for added flavor.
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Mexican Style Chicken Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Onion, Jalapeno Peppers, Garlic
Put a Mexican twist on a classic dish with this Mexican-style chicken parmesan. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy cornmeal crust and topped with a zesty tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Serve with a side of spaghetti for a complete meal.
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Authentic Tacos with Homemade Corn Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Ground Cumin, Chili
For a truly authentic taco experience, make your own corn tortillas from scratch. They may take a little extra time, but the taste and texture are well worth it. Fill them with your choice of meat, vegetables, and toppings for a customizable and delicious meal.
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Tamales ~ Mexican Instant Pot {Pressure Cooker}
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Chicken, Chile, Garlic, Onion, Salt, Masa
If you have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, then you must try making tamales in it! The pressure cooking process cuts down on the cooking time, making it a perfect weeknight meal option. Plus, you can use your favorite fillings to make it your own.
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Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Loin, Pasilla, Cooking Oil, Water, Salt
Of course, you can't talk about Mexican cuisine without mentioning the classic tamale. This recipe is a traditional version, made with a rich and flavorful pork filling and tender masa dough. It's a labor of love, but the end result is worth every bit of effort.
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Pollo Verde Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Chicken Parts, Tomatillos, White Onion
This twist on traditional tamales uses a green salsa made with tomatillos and jalapeños to give it a tangy and spicy kick. The chicken filling is tender and flavorful, and when paired with the tangy salsa, it creates a perfect balance of flavors.
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Tamal Dough (Masa para Tamales)
Main Ingredients: Lard, Baking Powder, Salt, Masa, Broth, Red Chile Sauce
The key to making the perfect tamale is the masa dough. This recipe walks you through the steps of making your own, from grinding the corn to forming the dough. Once you've mastered this recipe, you'll be able to create all kinds of delicious tamales.
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Homemade Corn Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Masa, Warm Water
These homemade corn tortillas are a staple in any Mexican household. They're simple to make and add the perfect touch to any meal. Serve them with your favorite tacos or use them as a base for other dishes, like tostadas or enchiladas.
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Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Roast, Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Dried
If you love the taste of tamales but don't have the time to make them, then this tamale pie is the perfect solution. It has all the flavors of traditional tamales, but in casserole form. And with a crispy cornbread crust, it's sure to become a family favorite.
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Simple, Hearty White Chili
Main Ingredients: Fryer Chicken, Medium Onion, Garlic, Green Chilies
For a lighter option, try this simple and hearty white chili. Made with chicken, white beans, and green chilies, it's a delicious and healthy meal option. And with a touch of cilantro and sour cream on top, it's a flavor explosion in every bite.
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Beef Tamales, or Tamales de Res
Main Ingredients: Chile, Oil, Beef Shoulder Roast, Salt, Pepper, Beef
Another twist on traditional tamales, these beef tamales are made with a beef and chili filling that is sure to satisfy any meat lover. The masa dough is flavored with a touch of beef broth, giving the tamales an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Tamale Masa
To create authentic Mexican tamale masa, you will need a few simple ingredients that can be found at your local grocery store or Mexican market. The main ingredient is masa harina, a type of corn flour that is specifically used for making tamales. Other essential ingredients include lard or vegetable shortening, chicken or vegetable broth, baking powder, and salt. Some recipes also call for spices such as cumin and chili powder to add extra flavor to the masa.
Preparing the Masa Dough
To begin making your authentic Mexican tamale masa, you will first need to make the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together the lard or shortening and broth until well combined. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, using your hands to knead it into a smooth dough. You can also use a stand mixer for this step if you prefer.
Adding Flavor to the Masa
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add spices and herbs to your masa dough. Some popular options include cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano. These spices will not only enhance the taste of your tamales but also give them a beautiful golden color.
Consistency is Key
When making masa for tamales, it's important to achieve the right consistency. The dough should be soft and pliable, but not too sticky or wet. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more broth or water. On the other hand, if it's too wet, you can add a bit more masa harina to balance it out.
Let the Dough Rest
After preparing the masa dough, it's important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before using it to make tamales. This will allow the dough to absorb all the flavors and become easier to work with.
Ready to Make Authentic Mexican Tamales
Congratulations, you have now successfully made authentic Mexican tamale masa! With this delicious dough, you can now make a variety of tamales, from savory to sweet. Use it to wrap your favorite fillings and steam them to perfection. The possibilities are endless, and your taste buds will thank you.
With this authentic Mexican tamale masa recipe, you can now recreate the taste of Mexico in your own kitchen. Whether it's for a special occasion or just a regular weekday meal, tamales made with this masa will surely be a hit with your family and friends. So put on some traditional Mexican music, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the deliciousness of authentic Mexican tamales.
